1567 ~ Hans Steininger (aka Hanns Staininger) Austrian mayor famous for having the World’s longest beard (3.5 feet / 1.06m long c.1550) died on the 28th September 1567, because of his beard. The death by beard incident occurred when there was a fire in his town of Braunau, and in his haste Hans forgot to roll up his beard and place it in a purposely made pouch for his beard, which caused him to accidentally step on it, fall and break his neck, thus being killed by his famous beard. Legend tells of an invitation to Hans Steininger from the Emperor Rudolf II in Prague to see his extraordinary beard.

Hans Steininger with the World’s longest beard (c.1550)Epitaph of mayor Hans Steininger with the World’s longest beard on the outside walls of St. Stephan’s church at Braunau am Inn, Austria ~ www.Tourismus-Braunau.at

Hans Steininger is often found in stupid way to die lists on the internet. YouTube video: This Man’s Beard Killed Him (by NerdAlert)…

1791 – France became the first European country to emancipate its Jewish population on the 28th September 1791.

1836 – Thomas Crapper the English plumber and inventer of the ballcock was born on the 28th September 1836 (died 1910)